"The word "Community" appears in this article 13 times..."

College towns tend to be like that. Deal with it.

"...obtain some funding from the town for a community development project, and build a few bike carts."

Some communities (esp in college towns, it seems) provide bicycles that people can rent or use. This may be what they have in mind.

OTOH, what does it matter? If you don't like the concept, just hit your BACK button.

Sue